Jim and I were really enjoying our ride up the Northway. We were headed to Saratoga for the 106th annual meeting and training school sponsored by the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM).

As times have changed, the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs has become just the right location for this annual event. It has good sized meetings rooms for the concurrent training sessions, a nice ballroom for group session, a good food service, and comfortable beds for those municipal officials who travel a distance and wish to stay over.

As we traveled we had an opportunity to watch the new buds on the trees begin to pop out and really show their colors. It is so wonderful to see how many different shades of green are spread across the countryside. Mixed among the green were some red buds overhanging the lower bushes with a wisp of yellow from the forsythias mixed in. 

Fall may be the most anticipated season for color but to me spring is the best for new growth. After a long cold winter, like the one we just had, it is even more amazing to see the new growth, wear short sleeves and know that summer is on the way.

Driving through the Saratoga State Park on our way to the Gideon Putnam, we passed the majestic pine trees that lined the road on either side providing shade while at the same time providing beauty to the roadway and giving walkers and joggers a wonderful place to get their exercise.

We could just picture an earlier time when women carrying their parasols would walk the same paths or a family might pass through in a horse drawn carriage. It is so easy to slip back into the past when you are in an area that has been such a large part of our local history. 

Since the day was so beautiful, the golfers were out in full force with their golf carts and clubs, crossing the fairway in search of that perfect game.

For our new readers I would like to explain that this annual meeting is an important meeting for all of the people of New York State.

NYCOM is an association of officials from cities and villages across New York State. Together these 580 member municipalities provide a statewide network and a powerful advocate for interests in the state legislature and with state agencies.

We were warmly welcomed to the conference immediately upon entering the lobby at the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Members of the staff remembered Jim from his days as mayor of Altamont and president of NYCOM. They gave us our nametags and escorted us to the meeting area.

Because there were concurrent sessions being conducted, we had an opportunity to talk to some of the vendors attending. Monday’s sessions included: Protecting your Municipality in an IMA (insurance ramifications inherent in joint projects); Get in the Game: The REDC/URI Process (working with Regional Economic Development Councils to develop long term strategic economic plans for economic growth); Young Professionals Unplugged: If You Build It, They Will Come (an open discussion to gain insights on current trends and preferences, as well as tips on how you can position your community to be more appealing to young professionals); New York Rollout of Medical Marijuana: What it Could Mean for Your Community (an overview of New York's recently enacted medical marijuana law, its implementation to date and other important issues concerning your community); Understanding the new  Brownfield Cleanup Program  (a review of the recently enacted reforms to the Brownfields Program intended to improve the environment and clean up contaminated areas); Solar Policy and Municipal Solar Procurement (a solar policy workshop to introduce local policymakers to the basic strategies and practices used to regulate a growing solar market).

Although there were many other sessions, you may want to speak with Mayor James Gaughn for further information.

While speaking with a couple of other past presidents of NYCOM we caught site of Mayor Gaughn leaving one of the sessions and were able to catch his attention.

After some pleasant greetings, we discussed some of the issues facing the village of Altamont and agreed that managing the village is a job that takes a lot of work and the cooperation of many village residents.

At this point, we were called into the dining room for lunch and the installation of the officers for 2015. Anne M. Thane, mayor of Amsterdam and president of NYCOM, greeted all present and then gave her retiring words before swearing in the new officers.

She called their names: Richard B. Milne, mayor of Honeoye Falls, president; Thomas M. Roach, mayor of White Plains, first vice-president; and Kathy M. Sheehan, mayor of Albany, treasurer.

Each officer came to the podium and were all sworn in .

The next thing that happened reminded me of when my husband was sworn in as NYCOMS president in Rochester. Mayor Milne's three children approach the podium and spent several minutes paying tribute to their father and expressed the family's great pride. Our three daughters did the same for their father.

It was a very exciting time for everyone in attendance, but the main work of this annual meeting was only partially completed. There were more concurrent sessions and more work to do before all turned their vehicles toward home.

I would just like to say that I am so very proud of our village of Altamont and the people we have elected to lead us. The amount of work they do is almost ridiculous considering the pay they receive. They are usually considered part-time but they are on call 24 hours a day. Each and every problem with the water system, roads, neighbors cats, noise, and the list goes on, is a problem that they have to attend to and do it now.

Thank you Mayor James Gaughn and your village board as well as the village staff for all that you do for us.

Nursing pin

Congratulations are extended to Karen McKeever who received her nursing pin on Sunday, May 10, and will graduate from Maria College nursing program on May 17. Karen is the daughter of Donna and Jim Richmond who reside in Guilderland Center.

Grand officers

According to Edward Mosso, president  of the ARS District Grand Officers Association, Order of the Eastern Star, there will be a meeting on Sunday, May 17. The group will meet at Beukendaal-George Hope Chapter 271, located at 394 Princetown Rd, in Schenectady. Refreshments will be provided by the host Chapter at 3 p.m.

Reservations were to be made with Beverly Harrington at 861-8005. All Chance-A-Rama ticket sales can be turned in at the district gathering.

Booster club

The Guilderland Boys Baseball Booster Club has announced that there will be a golf fund-raiser on Sunday, May 17, at the Orchard Creek Golf Course in Altamont. The event will begin at 9 a.m. You can also support the group by purchasing a flag, tee, or by making a donation. Golfers are invited, and if you do not play, but would like to help this group you can do so by joining the group for dinner and participating in the drawing.

Budget vote

The Guilderland Central School District has announced that the budget vote is set for Tuesday, May 19. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the various elementary schools in the district. 

The following candidates running for the Board of Education are Catherine Barber, Timothy Burke, Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Christine Hayes and Seema Rivera. Candidates are seeking your vote for three open seats on the board. Those elected will serve a three-year term. They are unpaid for their services.

AES barbecue

There will be an Election Day barbecue at the Altamont Elementary School on Tuesday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. The following will be available a chicken diner for $10 and a rib dinner for $11. The event is sponsored by the PTA. Information can be obtained from a PTA member or the AES office. All dinners must be ordered in advance.

Performance test

Students enrolled in the Science 8 program at the Farnsworth Middle School will be participating in the NYS Performance Test from May 20 to 28. 

The NYS Science written test is planned for the morning of June 2. 

Strawberry Festival

Notice has been received from Palestine Star Chapter that their annual Strawberry Festival will be held on June 19 at the Oriental Shrine Center, located at 75 Plant Road in Troy with servings from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for strawberry shortcake, ice cream and beverage. They will also have hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and peppers, and salads available. All are welcome. 

Anniversary

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to Wendy (Giambo) and Michael Arsenault on May 17.

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:

— William Vojnar on May 14;

— Janis Berschwinger, Stephanie Connors, Betty Getmah, Jeremy McClintock on May 15;

— Danielle Alterwisher, Jim Burns, John Ciaccio, and Melissa Lynch on May 16;

— Benjamin Hale, Kelsey Moak, and Marlene Schager on May 17;

— Sandy Felgentreff, Charles Gardner Sr., and  Anthony Santulli on May 18; and

— Frank Anetzberger, Teresa Bareis, Jimmy Gifford, Karen Hulihan, and Leah Zimmy on May 19.  

 Correspondent’s note: This week's column is being typed on Mother's Day. I am fortunate as I will be joining our three daughters for a celebration at Christa's home. I hope all of the mother's reading this column also had a wonderful Mother's Day